Thrivent Action Teams help clients make a difference in ways that matter.
Supplies for re-entry
Sugar Land, Texas
Debra and Bruce Lacy, with help from their friend Melissa Erickson (pictured), wanted to provide supplies to those being released from prison. After receiving a wish list from Prison and Re-Entry Ministries, the Lacys led a Thrivent Action Team to shop for and assemble 60 bags of materials. They included items like grooming kits, winter gloves and hats, hand sanitizer and face masks. The team called local store managers and asked for volume discounts, which stretched their funds.
With COVID-19 restrictions in place, the team held four smaller events to assemble items. Participants also heard educational talks about prison ministries at each event. They finished with a prayer, and the bags were then transported to those in need.
Melissa was an inspiration through her generous heart and energy. Her enthusiasm and love of service shined brightly. “We had a great time serving,” she says. “And, with a bit of creativity, everyone should serve and help somehow.”
Homemade sanitizing stations
Chicago, Illinois
Owen Devine wanted to help United in Faith Lutheran Church for its reopening during COVID-19. As a Life Scout in Scouts BSA Troop 963, he decided to build hand sanitizing stations for the church entrances as his Eagle Project. Through his mom, Janeen, Owen co-led a Thrivent Action Team to help buy PVC pipe and glue. He formed and led a team of volunteers and scouts to build the stations.
Museum rejuvenation
Minot, North Dakota
Evelyn Hildebrand is one of the 200 Ward County Historical Society members helping to maintain the county’s history by rejuvenating buildings in the Pioneer Village Historical Museum. Twelve buildings experienced flood damage in 2011. Evelyn led a Thrivent Action Team to do building restoration. She used the seed money to buy the materials.
Food and thought
Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Janet Douglass regularly supplied food to the Reynoldsburg Helping Hands Food Bank. And when COVID-19 hit, she used her free time to volunteer there. Janet led a Thrivent Action Team to assemble 100 personal protection equipment bags that included 400 adult colorful masks, 100 kid-themed masks, hand sanitizer bottles and an inspirational note.
Give a can, take a can
Sequim, Washington
Jean Pratschner saw people in her community having trouble getting food. She led a Thrivent Action Team of volunteers to design and paint a Little Free Pantry, a space for people to help meet neighborhood food needs during gap days at the local food bank. The project is supported by the state department of agriculture extension service.
